"They deserved to die. Well killed."
The great hall fell so silent that a pin dropping would have been heard.
Everyone's expressions changed in unison as they stared at their City Lord in utter disbelief.
Tang Yun shuddered all over, his clouded old eyes filled with shock and pain.
Gou Feng was his blood nephew-grandson, a child he had raised with his own hands.
Luo Yuan paid no heed to the crowd's reactions.
He gave Gu Li a slight nod, his tone as mild as though he were entertaining an honored guest. "The Spirit Vein Dragon Descendant Clan is more than willing to forge a marriage alliance with the Spirit-Devouring Clan. However, the Saintess has indeed long been betrothed to a junior of our clan. Changing that arrangement at will may chill the hearts of many clansmen."
He paused, then continued, "How about this? Give me some more time, and I will do my utmost to persuade the Saintess and the clan. Might I trouble Your Excellency to return to the Spirit-Devouring Clan and report back first?"
The dignified City Lord, the strongest member of the Spirit Vein Dragon Descendant Clan, spoke now with a trace of an almost humble plea in his voice.
Gu Li stared at Luo Yuan for several breaths, then suddenly gave a contemptuous laugh.
He raised his bloodstained hand and carelessly flicked it before Luo Yuan's face. Droplets of blood spattered across the floor.
"City Lord Luo, I trust you are a sensible man." Gu Li's voice was languid.
"You will give our Spirit-Devouring Clan a satisfactory explanation."
He held up three fingers. "Three days. I will give you only three days."
"If, after three days, I do not see your Saintess delivered to the Spirit-Devouring Clan, then this city—including every one of your clansmen—will